We are all home from our Epic adventure to reach the summit
of Mount Toubkal. Andy, Ali & Mike along with the rest of our Group were
all amazing & I couldn’t have done this without them all.

This is my story of the last few days!

To say I was exhausted would be an understatement, after, 7
hours to base camp on day 1, spending our first night in a dorm with 16 of us
trying desperately for some sleep! we woke at 3am & set off at 4!

I personally reached the Summit at approximately 10am, there
were many times I thought I couldn’t/wouldn’t do it! but, it is amazing what
you can pull from inner strength & belief & pure tenacity.

Emotions were running high, it was Reuben’s 12^th
Birthday & we all sang Happy Birthday to him, we held & shared with his
Mum Nicola this moment, which we will never forget. We spent some time saying a
special farewell to one of my Travel Counsellors Colleagues & a very dear
friend of Reubens Retreat Gill Peach.

We were also able to celebrate two very special proposals!
Not sure we will ever want to re-climb it to celebrate the weddings!

Climbing the mountain seemed to go on forever, just when we
would think we were getting close to the top, there would be another ridge to
dig deep for. Many tears were shed & bruises gained!

The descent was more difficult than anticipated, it was
extremely hard to keep your feet on the ground & I had many falls, the
storm arrived & the hailstones bigger than I have ever seen hit hard. My
legs started to give up, so, I slowed down quite a bit. It took me 7 hours to
get back to base camp. I felt broken to be honest. The Guides were simply the
best you could ask for.

I still had a 5 hour walk from basecamp to our accommodation
for the night in the Village of Imlil. At this point I made the decision to
take the Mule that was offered! So, after 3.5 hours on the back of a Mule (Oh
my goodness, I can still feel the effects)! I arrived at Imlil Village, to be
greeted by a bed with Sheets! Unfortunately, still cold showers, but, hey! I was
back & felt accomplished.

After a great night’s sleep & another 1.5hr walk to the
transport which would take us all back to Marrakech we had completed our Trek.

Thank you to everyone who has donated to our challenge, for
this very special charity & the memory of this very special Boy
Reuben.  The money you have donated,
will, I can guarantee, be, used to the benefit of children & families in
similar situations.  It isn’t too late to
donate if you wish to do so:  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paula-mcclumpha23

Thank you to my fellow trekkers, without your support &
encouragement, I may have faltered.

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We are on the Countdown! 4 Weeks today & we will be on the Mountain! Mount Toubkal.....are you ready for us!

07th of September Mike, Ali,  Andy  & I fly out to join our other Reubens supporters to start our climb on the 08th.

Thank you to all who have donated so far, it is hugely appreciated, if you do have any spare money available this Charity will be ever grateful as of course will we....

Our trip is completely self funded, so, all of your donations go directly to REUBEN's. Flights, accommodation all booked & we cannot now wait to get started.

Personally, I have roped in a treadmill to assist with my training! Work is busy so I need every spare moment now to train. I may even add some photo's soon!

Here is a little more information about Reuben's

Reuben’s Retreat was founded in August 2012, just 2 days after Reuben Graham died aged just 23 months old. His Mummy Nicola created the charity to help others who are facing or already dealing with similar heartbreak, walking side-by-side with families offering emotional and practical support for parents and siblings bereaved of a child and for families of life limited or threatened children who face uncertain futures. To find out more about this incredible charity, please visit their website www.reubensretreat.org or social media channels.